Q for tube heads

FMA · May 13th, 2005, 05:20 PM

I have a line on a pair of Penta Labs 6CA7s for my Ampeg, which currently has Svetlana EL-34s in it.
Does anybody know anything about these bottles? Any good?

Daddy Elmis · May 13th, 2005, 08:29 PM

My only experience with Penta tubes was with the 12ax7's that came stock in my GSP2101 preamp/effects box. Frankly, they sounded like crap and were quickly replaced. I've no experience with their power tubes.

FWIW, they did not seem poorly made, just didn't break up very nicely (very, very harsh and "buzzy"). Most folks that bought a 2101 had the same impression and quickly switched them out.

Tremo · May 13th, 2005, 10:36 PM

I believe that Penta Labs tubes are Chinese.

Personally, I'd go with JJs or the ones made in St. Petersburg.

FMA · May 16th, 2005, 10:08 AM

I got them -- hey, they were cheap -- and well, they sucked. Not only did they suck, they were terrible. For one thing, they made a weird "putt-putt-putt" sound and if you could ignore that, they sounded nasty. Harsh and brittle and just plain bad...
Oh well, live and learn...I'll stick to Svetlanas or JJs...

May 13th, 2005, 05:20 PM	#1 (permalink)
FMA Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 1,174	Q for tube heads I have a line on a pair of Penta Labs 6CA7s for my Ampeg, which currently has Svetlana EL-34s in it. Does anybody know anything about these bottles? Any good?

May 16th, 2005, 10:08 AM	#4 (permalink)
FMA Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 1,174	Took a flyer... I got them -- hey, they were cheap -- and well, they sucked. Not only did they suck, they were terrible. For one thing, they made a weird "putt-putt-putt" sound and if you could ignore that, they sounded nasty. Harsh and brittle and just plain bad... Oh well, live and learn...I'll stick to Svetlanas or JJs...

May 13th, 2005, 08:29 PM	#2 (permalink)
Daddy Elmis Tele-Holic Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: USA Posts: 961	My only experience with Penta tubes was with the 12ax7's that came stock in my GSP2101 preamp/effects box. Frankly, they sounded like crap and were quickly replaced. I've no experience with their power tubes. FWIW, they did not seem poorly made, just didn't break up very nicely (very, very harsh and "buzzy"). Most folks that bought a 2101 had the same impression and quickly switched them out.

May 13th, 2005, 10:36 PM	#3 (permalink)
Tremo Banned Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Silicon Valley, CA, USA Posts: 3,803	I believe that Penta Labs tubes are Chinese. Personally, I'd go with JJs or the ones made in St. Petersburg.